🔗 Share this article Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Claim Victory to Go Top. The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the season. Key Points Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight with a win. The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this season. The Dutch midfielder adds a second for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph. The win moved them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday. The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking. West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net. After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back however their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide. The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the visitors, who are anchored inside the bottom three. Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off. Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures. This leaves them 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. What's Next? Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the season. Key Points Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight with a win. The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this season. The Dutch midfielder adds a second for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph. The win moved them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday. The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking. West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net. After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back however their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide. The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the visitors, who are anchored inside the bottom three. Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off. Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures. This leaves them 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. What's Next? Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.